Sunday saw the final day to our 2010 West Coast Training Camp here in Phoenix, and I think we all agree that it was the best camp to date. With three full days working on Chum-Kiu section-by-section, it was a less hectic pace and more time to devote to each section vs. Siu-Nim-Tau on day 1, Chum-Kiu on day 2, and Chi-sau on day 3. Having a slower and more consistent theme vs. trying to load everyone up with info to take back home was definitely the best change we have found for conducting the camps, and a theme we will now be instituting with each camp.
Day 3 saw extensive work in more concepts of kicking, as well as footwork and angling. For example, a lot of practitioners working section 2′s Wang-chang-gerk (Side Thrusting-kick) will turn their centerline to the opponent vs. keeping it at a 90-degree angle. What this does is not train the side kick; instead, it is nothing more than the front kick to a sideward angle. However, the camp showed everyone the correct concept and how the kicks differ.
Translated to day 3 and Ching-sun-gerk (Front Thrusting-kick) and Che-chang-gerk (Slant Thrusting-kick), the nature of angling, power and weight distribution gave everyone something to think about when working their kicks the Wing Chun way. While it does take time to develop power in the legs, it is true thrusting vs. snapping, which is paramount to understand in order to execute forceful yet relaxed kicks the Wing Chun way.
We also worked Chi-sau section 1′s attack quite a bit, as well as culminating with the last 45 minutes spent in Escrima drills. Basic attacks and stepping – both right and left – were worked repeatedly in order to begin giving everyone a sense of how to handle a weapon and how to get comfortable with making it an extension of themselves. It was exhausting for many, to say the least, but it was a great way to end the camp on a very positive note.
As with previous posts, I want to thank everyone for making the trip to Phoenix and making the 2010 West Coast camp a great success. A special thanks also goes to Steve for helping me with the training and leading everyone through the various drills. We had a great turnout and I hope to see even more of all of our members around the world and the U.S. at our East Coast camp.
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